Surgical glove with ergonomic features

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a surgical glove that alleviates the biasing force associated with bending or abducting the hand and fingers when wearing a surgical glove.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a surgical glove formed to be all orpartially in essentially the relaxed shape of a human hand, potentiallyincluding being formed in a flexed position at one or more of the fingerjoints, palm and/or dorsum of the hand. The invention also relates tospecific features on the glove to alleviate biasing forces related tomovement of the hand and to assist the glove in conforming to themovement of the hand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surgical gloves are known in the art. The gloves are usuallymanufactured from latex or latex-free substitutes and fit snugly on thehand. Surgical gloves are often initially formed in a shapeapproximately the same as a hand when pressed flat on a surface orextended to be essentially flat or straight, such as shown in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2. In that position, the fingers extend outward, essentiallystraight from the palm (in this context “straight” means there isessentially no bend at any of the joints). In this position, the thumbis oriented in a flat plane or is slightly abducted away from the palm.A problem with the standard glove shape is that the relaxed hand is notnaturally in a flat position with the fingers essentially straight. Asshown in FIGS. 3-4, when in its normal, relaxed position, which is alsocalled the normal hand cascade position, the joints of the fingers (thefingers and thumb also collectively referred to herein as “digits”) arenaturally in a flexed position, with the thumb in a different plane thanthe fingers. This normal position does not match the shape of a standardsurgical glove.

If a medical professional wears surgical gloves for a long period, suchas when he/she is performing a long procedure or is performing multiplesuccessive procedures in a given period of time, the professional'sfingers and hands can become tired or fatigued because of constantlyovercoming the biasing forces of the surgical glove(s) in order to flexthe fingers and hand (either to a closed position, open position, orboth).

Consequently, when a standard surgical glove is placed on a hand, thematerial of the glove biases the fingers away from the normal, relaxedposition to the less natural straight position. When a medicalprofessional then uses his/her hand during a medical procedure, in orderto flex the fingers, the biasing force of the glove material must beovercome. For example, FIG. 5 shows a hand 500 of a medical professionalgrasping a dental instrument 502. Fingers 504-510 are flexed to graspthe instrument 502, and to do so, the biasing force of surgical glove512 must be overcome. This biasing force is even greater if two glovesare placed on the hand, which is frequently done to increase protectionfor the medical professional in the event that the outer glove tears oris punctured or if there is a random manufacturing defect resulting in aperforation.

In addition to standard surgical gloves being formed in a straightposition, they have no structure to permit the expansion or contractionof the dimensions of portions of the hand. For example, thecircumference of a flexed finger (such as when the fingers are flexedtowards the palm of the hand) is greater than its circumference whenrelaxed or in the straight position. This concept is illustrated in FIG.22, showing a 20% increase in circumference in a female index finger anda 22% increase in circumference in a male index finger. If gloves aredesigned so they tightly fit fingers that are in the straight position,and then the fingers are flexed, the fingers must also overcome thebiasing force of the glove material that restricts digital expansion.Consequently, there is a need for extra material during flexion of thefingers so the portion of the glove covering the portion of the fingerthat expands can (1) permit expansion when the finger is flexed, and (2)contract back into shape and is not used when the finger is not flexed.The biasing force of gloves also includes adduction of the fingers, aforce tending to keep the fingers together in line rather than in theirnatural cascading position. This is another biasing force that must beovercome when using standard surgical gloves.

Glove designs with baggy, or loose-fitting portions, at one or moreareas are known, but such gloves are not optimal for a medicalprofessional performing procedures that require fine, precise work.Glove designs are also known that have ribs at some areas, but while theribs may help to some degree, they do not overcome the problemsdescribed herein.

It would be beneficial for medical professionals to have surgical glovesthat minimize biasing forces, that include a minimal amount of excess,loose or baggy material, and that are relatively simple to manufacture,so they are cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are surgical gloves (also referred toherein as “gloves”) that utilize shapes with the finger portions andthumb positioned more towards their natural, relaxed position.Preferably, the gloves reduce the biasing force inherent in standardgloves when (1) closing the hand, (2) opening the hand, and (3) closingand/or opening the fingers and/or moving the thumb. As set forth in moredetail below, a glove according to the invention may also be combinedwith, or instead include: (a) relaxing or distressing features (alsoreferred to as “patterns”) at one or more positions, (b) thinnerportions of material at one or more positions, and/or (c) differentmaterials with different flexibility characteristics at one or morepositions.

Exemplary surgical gloves are essentially formed either partially orentirely in the approximate shape of a relaxed hand, examples of whichare shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Because of the glove's shape, the amount ofbiasing force that must be overcome to flex the fingers, move the thumb,close the hand, and/or move the thumb to a position where it is pressedagainst one of the fingers is reduced. Medical professionals cantherefore utilize the gloves for longer periods without their fingers orhands becoming as tired or fatigued as when using conventional surgicalgloves.

A surgical glove according to various embodiments of the invention isformed with pre-formed angles (also referred to herein as “flex angles”)at one or more of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, proximalinterphalangeal (PIP) joints and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints inthe fingers. Examples of flex angles are shown in FIGS. 3-4. In oneexample, one or more of the portions of the glove corresponding to theMCP joints may be formed at a flex angle, and/or one or more of theportions of the glove corresponding to the PIP joints may be formed at aflex angle, and/or one or more of the portions of the glovecorresponding to the DIP joints may be formed at a flex angle. Anycombination or permutation of glove portions corresponding to anycombination of joints on any combination of fingers and/or the thumband/or the palm can include a flex angle as described herein.

In accordance with further examples, MCP joint portions of a glove havea greater flex angle than the PIP and DIP positions to render a glovethat more closely replicates the natural, cascading position of thefingers and permits the hand to be in an open, usable position as shown,for example, in FIG. 21.

Additionally, the portion of the glove that retains the thumb may haveportions at the thumb MCP and IP joints that are formed at respectiveflex angles, corresponding to essentially the angle of the relaxedposition of the thumb. Further, the overall position of the thumbportion of the glove may be essentially in the thumb's natural, relaxedposition, e.g., that of abduction from the palm with some flexion at theMCP and IP joints.

Exemplary gloves can include a texturing or patterning, or other designfeatures, such as patterns, ripples, ribs, textures or bumps, or acombination thereof (collectively, “pattern” or “patterns”) formed aspart of the glove; such pattern making the glove easier to flex. Thepatterns provide extra material, which is used when a hand or digitflexes in a certain manner. These patterns can be formed on the outerand/or inner surface of the glove, and are preferably on the outer (oroutside) surface.

Patterns can be added to any relevant portion of the glove. As oneexample, a glove as described herein can include longitudinal ribs alongparts of one or more fingers or the thumb to allow for expansion of thedigit (i.e., an increase in circumference during flexing). Furthermore,a pattern can exist in one or more spaces between the fingers, or thethumb and index finger, or the thumb and index finger, thus reducing thebiasing force of the glove in that area(s) and allowing easier abductionor movement. Also, if the glove is formed with flex angles, it may havea bias toward flexion, rather than extension (the opening of the hand),so features can be added on the palm side of the glove, such as at thethumb, and/or one or more finger creases and/or center of the palm torelieve some of the force of opening or closing the hand and/or digits.

Further, exemplary gloves can include patterns and/or shapes at anysuitable location, including at the joint portions including the flexangles. These reduce the biasing force to close and/or open the hand.

In accordance with further exemplary embodiments, a glove may includematerial of various thicknesses. For example, a glove can includematerial of a first thickness corresponding to most of the hand, andhave material that is thinner at the portions of the hand (whichincludes the digits) that flex when opening or closing, e.g., at one ormore joints of the digits and/or on the dorsum or palm.

In accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments, a glove includesmaterial in some areas that is more flexible in areas where the digitsand hand flex, and may include another material that is more punctureresistant than the glove material in other areas. For example, the glovecan include reinforced material on the fingertips and/or palm areas anda second material that flexes more at one or more of the joints and/orthe dorsum or palm.

Gloves in accordance with the present disclosure can also include anycombination of materials, flex angles, patterns, and features asdescribed herein.

As set forth in more detail below, various gloves as described hereincan accommodate the movement of the hand and digits with reduced biasingforce, and at the same time fit properly (and preferably not beoversized or baggy) throughout the hand's entire range of motion,especially the range used during a medical procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a hand that is flat with the fingers extending outwardfrom the palm in essentially a straight position, with a surgical gloveon the hand.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical glove ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a hand in a suspended, normal relaxed position and notresting on a surface.

FIG. 4 illustrates a hand in a normal, relaxed position.

FIG. 5 depicts a hand with a conventional surgical glove thereon,wherein the hand is grasping a dental instrument.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view (wherein the flexed angles of the jointscannot be readily seen) of an exemplary glove that includes a pattern.

FIG. 6A is a close-up, side illustration of an exemplary patternsuitable for the material of the glove of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6B is a close-up, side illustration of another exemplary patternsuitable for the material of the glove of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6C is a close-up, side illustration of another exemplary patternsuitable for the material of the glove of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6D is a close-up, side illustration of another exemplary patternsuitable for the material of the glove of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6E is a close-up, side illustration of another pattern suitable forthe material of the glove of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view (wherein the flex angles of the joints cannotbe readily seen) of an exemplary glove that includes a pattern of ribs.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view (wherein the flex angles of the joints cannotbe readily seen) of an exemplary glove that includes a pattern of ribsin selected portions of the glove.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view (wherein the flex angles of the joints cannotbe readily seen) of an exemplary glove that includes a pattern of ribsin selected portions of the glove, wherein the ribs are axially orientedto the digits.

FIG. 10 depicts a top, perspective view of an exemplary glove thatincludes a pattern of ribs in selected portions of the glove.

FIG. 11 depicts a top, perspective view of a glove in accordance with analternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a hand with a standard surgical glove wherein thehand is biased to flexion.

FIG. 13A illustrates a palm view of a standard surgical glove.

FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the glove of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 illustrates comparative strain forces of fingers moving from thestraight to the flexed position for various gloves.

FIG. 15 illustrate another glove having a pattern in accordance withadditional embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 16( a) and 16(b) illustrate another glove having a pattern inaccordance with additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hand without a surgical glove, wherein the hand isfully biased to the flexion position.

FIG. 18A illustrates a side view of a hand in the straight position,which is the position in which most current surgical gloves are formed.

FIG. 18B illustrates a palm view of the hand of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A illustrates a side, perspective view of a hand in a fullyrelaxed position.

FIG. 19B illustrates a front view of the hand in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20 illustrates a hand in a working position.

FIG. 21 illustrates a hand in a more natural position, but not the fullyrelaxed position, and shows the angles of the finger joints when in thisposition.

FIG. 22 illustrates a relationship between the circumference of fingerswhen straight and when flexed.

FIG. 23 illustrates an amount of stretch and location of the stretch fora size 6.5 glove at the MCP joints of the fingers.

FIG. 24 illustrates an amount of stretch and location of the stretch fora size 8 glove at the MCP joints of the fingers.

FIG. 25A illustrates the hand in a flat position with the figuresextended.

FIG. 25B illustrates the hand of FIG. 25A with the fingers flexed toessentially a fully-closed position.

FIG. 26 is a top view of a hand illustrating the amount of extramaterial or stretch (as measured from the MCP joints) for the fingers tomove from a straight to a cascading position for a size 8 glove.

FIG. 27 illustrates the amount of extra material or stretch (as measuredfrom the MCP joints) for the fingers to move from a straight to acascading position for a size 6.5 glove.

FIG. 28A is a palm view of a glove in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 28B is a side view of the glove of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28C is a top view of the glove of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 29 is a top view of a hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings where the purpose is to describe exemplaryembodiments of the invention and not to limit the same, FIG. 1illustrates a top view, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view, and FIG. 12illustrates a bottom or palm view of a hand 200 in a relatively flatposition with a surgical glove 102 thereon. A shape of a conventionalglove is further illustrated in FIGS. 13( a) and 13(b), which illustratea palm view and a side view of the conventional glove.

To facilitate understanding of the gloves described herein, various handpositions are illustrated in FIGS. 17-21. FIG. 17 illustrates a hand1700 biased to flexion. FIG. 18A illustrates a side view of a hand 1800in the straight position, which is the position in which standardsurgical gloves are formed. FIG. 18B illustrates a palm view of hand1800. FIG. 19A illustrates a side, perspective view of a hand 1900 in afully relaxed position and having cascading fingers. FIG. 19Billustrates a front view of the hand 1900. FIG. 20 illustrates a hand2000 in a working position.

As is known, an MCP joint is a metacarpophalangeal joint. A PIP joint isa proximal interphalangeal joint. A DIP joint is a distalinterphalangeal joint. An IP joint is an interphalangeal joint. And, aCMC joint is a carpometacarpal joint.

A thumb generally includes three joints. The most proximal thumb jointis the CMC joint between the trapezium and the thumb metacarpal. Thethumb MCP joint is between the metacarpal and the proximal phalanx ofthe thumb. The distal most thumb joint is the IP or interphalangealbetween the proximal and distal phalanges of the thumb.

Each finger, including the index, middle, ring and little fingers, hasfour joints including the CMC, MCP, PIP and DIP joints. The CMC joint ofeach finger is between the metacarpal and the carpal bone. The MCP jointof each finger is between the metacarpal and the proximal phalanx. ThePIP joint of each finger is between the proximal and middle phalanges.The DIP joint of each finger is between the middle and distal phalanges.

Turning to FIG. 4, respective portions of a hand 400 are shown. Indexfinger 401 has MCP joint 402, DIP joint 404, and PIP joint 406. Middlefinger 407 has MCP joint 410, PIP joint 412, and DIP joint 414. Ringfinger 415 has MCP joint 416, PIP joint 418 and DIP joint 420. Littlefinger 421 has MCP joint 422, PIP joint 424 and DIP joint 426. Thumb 427has MCP joint 428 and IP joint 430. There is a space 432 between thethumb 427 and index finger 401. Not readily visible are the CMC jointsof the fingers and thumb.

Surgical gloves as described herein can be formed of any suitablematerial, such as medical-grade natural rubber latex or synthetic rubbermaterial. Exemplary synthetic rubber materials include polychloroprene(neoprene), polyisoprene, styrene butadiene, styrene ethylene butadiene.Other suitable materials include nitrile and vinyl (polyvinylchloride).The thickness of the glove material may be any suitable amount and canrange between, as an example, 0.14 mm-0.3 mm, and surgical glovethicknesses are known in the art. Surgical gloves come in differentsizes, with typical sizes ranging from 5½ to 9, which is also known inthe art.

Various embodiments of the glove designs described herein can be usedalone or in any combination with the other designs and features notedherein. As noted herein, various advantages of the gloves hereindescribed include a reduction of a biasing forces when the hand isopened and/or closed. FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary reduction in flexload, compared to standard gloves. In this specific illustrated example,gloves in accordance with the present description reduced a flex load byabout 35%, although the invention is not limited to this amount.

When referring to a location on a glove according to the invention, itmay simply be referenced by the position on the hand (e.g., MCP joint ofthe index finger) or as a “location,” “portion,” or “position” or“location of the glove,” “portion of the glove,” or “position of theglove.”

Flex Angles

Exemplary gloves according to various embodiments of the invention areformed so the portions of the gloves corresponding to the fingers and/orthumb of a hand are more generally in a normal, relaxed hand position,but not entirely in the relaxed position, such as the positionillustrated in FIG. 21. In this manner the hand can be closed and openedwith limited resisting biasing forces on one or more of the digitsand/or hand caused by the glove. By way of examples, portions of a glovecorresponding to one or more of the MCP joints, one or more of the PIPjoints and/or one or more of the DIP joints of a hand can be formed at aflex angle. A surgical glove according to exemplary embodiments theinvention preferably includes one or more of the following portionsformed as follows: (a) the portion corresponding to the MCP joint of theindex finger is formed at a flex angle of 10-45°, or 40°-50° (b) theportion corresponding to the MCP joint of the middle finger is formed ata flex angle of 10-45°, or 40°-50° (c) the portion corresponding to theMCP joint of the ring finger is formed at a flex angle of 15-50°, or40°-50°, and (d) the portion corresponding to the MCP of the littlefinger formed at a flex angle of 20-55°, or 40°-50°.

Further, the following portions of the glove may be formed as follows:(a) the portion corresponding to the PIP joint of the index finger isformed at a 5-45°, or 10°-20°, flex angle, (b) the portion correspondingto the PIP joint of the middle finger is formed at a 5-50° or 10°-20°,flex angle, (c) the portion corresponding to the PIP joint of the ringfinger is formed at a 10-55° or 10°-20°, flex angle, and (d) the portioncorresponding to the PIP joint of the little finger is formed at a15-60°, or 10°-20°, flex angle.

Also, (a) the DIP joint of the index finger may be formed at a 5°-25°,or 10°-20°, or 0°-20°, flex angle, (b) the DIP joint of the middlefinger may be formed at a 5°-25°, or 10°-20°, or 0°-20°, flex angle, (c)the DIP joint of the ring finger may be formed at a 10°-30°, or 10°-20°,or 0°-20°, flex angle, and (d) the DIP joint of the little finger isformed at a 15°-30°, or 10°-20°, or 0°-20°, flex angle.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the following portions ofa glove corresponding to the thumb may be formed as follows: (a) theportion corresponding to the MCP joint of the thumb is formed at aflexed angle of 10-45°, and (b) the portion corresponding to the IPjoint of the thumb is formed at a flexed angle of 20-50°.

Additionally, gloves according to various exemplary embodiments of theinvention can include a two-radius curve, meaning that the angles of theMCP joints are flexed at a greater angle than the other joints.

In one embodiment, the portions of the glove corresponding to the MCPjoints have greater flex angles than either the PIP and DIP joints, suchthat the fingers in the hand remain open to some degree, rather thanbeing in their fully relaxed position. One embodiment of preferred flexangles are approximately:

Index Middle Ring Little finger finger finger finger MCP joint 25° 25°30° 35° PIP joint 15° 15° 20° 25° DIP joint 15° 15° 20° 25°

Although these angles are less than the complete relaxed position of thehand, they allow for: ease of manufacturing, helping to keep the handopen to some degree, and preventing too much bias against opening orclosing the hand.

Any of the flex angles set forth herein could possibly be varied beyondthe stated ranges to better approximate the shape of a hand in aposition to reduce biasing forces when the hand opens or closes.

Another aspect of the invention is that when in a relaxed position, thefingers may be in a cascading position moving from the index finger tothe little finger, with the flex angles of the joints of each fingervarying. An example of a hand 2100 including cascading fingers 2102-2108is illustrated in FIG. 21. Some embodiments of the gloves disclosedherein include this cascading feature. One way in which a gloveaccording to the invention compensates for this cascading position is byproviding different flex angles, or features to permit flexing, at thevarious joints. Exemplary angles for the cascading digits areillustrated in FIG. 21, and these angles may fall within ranges as setforth in the exemplary embodiments herein.

Additionally, the palm region of the glove may be formed at a suitableflex angle, such as between 10°-30°. Moreover, a glove according to theinvention may have the thumb portion formed in a more natural positionwith the thumb in a different plane than the fingers.

When the fingers are flexed from an extend to a closed position, asillustrated in FIGS. 25A-25B, the length along the top of the finger,measured from a position just behind the MCP joint of the fingerincreases. For a size 6.5 glove and 8.0 glove, the length along the topof each finger increases by approximately the amounts shown below:

Index Middle Ring Little finger finger finger finger Size 6.5 glove 10mm 13 mm 20 mm 32 mm Size 8.0 glove 11 mm 15 mm 24 mm 30 mm

The difference in increased length moving from the index finger to thelittle finger is because of the cascading shape of the hand when relaxedor closed.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide extra material for the tops of thefingers (and thumb) when in the closed position to reduce biasingforces. This can be done by pre-flexing the glove as described herein soit is formed in a position that is close to, but preferably not quite,in the position of a relaxed hand and/or by including patterns. In oneembodiment corresponding to the above chart, all of the extra materialis provided at the MCP joint of each finger, as illustrated in FIG. 26(for a size 8.0 glove) and 27 (for a size 6.5 glove). The extra materialis preferably (a) half provided by the flex angles for the MCP jointsdisclosed herein, and (b) half provided by patterns (discussed below).Alternatively, the extra material may be entirely provided by flexangles at two or more joints of a finger, or by flex angles at two ormore joints of each finger and patterns at one or more joints of eachfinger.

FIGS. 28A-28C show a glove in accordance with the invention whereinapproximately ½ of the extra material required along the top side of thefinger when fully flexed is provided by flex angles at each finger jointand about half is provided by patterns, which are preferably ribs ateach joint. As shown in FIG. 29, in one embodiment, about ½ of the extralength required for fully closing each finger is provided at the MCPjoint, about ¼ is provided at the PIP joint and about ¼ is provided atthe DIP joint.

Patterns

A glove according to the exemplary embodiments of the invention canadditionally or alternatively have a pattern formed therein at variouspositions that allows easier flexing of the glove material. Someexemplary patterns are shown in FIGS. 6-6E and each provides additionalmaterial for opening and/or closing the hand to reduce biasing forceswhen stretched, and reduce or eliminate a baggy fit when not stretched.The pattern may be one or more of the following:

-   -   (1) Any feature with about 10 mm or less of total height or        depth that permits a glove to flex with less force when the hand        is opened, closed or both.    -   (2) The material forming the glove may be ribbed, wherein the        ribs (which are folds of material) include excess material to        permit expansion of the glove and the ribs may extend about ⅛″        or less beyond the outer surface of the glove on either the        dorsum side, palm side, between the fingers, between the thumb        and fingers, or some combination thereof. FIG. 2 illustrates a        dorsum D side of hand 200 and a palm side P of hand 200.

(3) The material forming the glove can have a pattern of (e.g.,alternating) raised portions and/or depressions, wherein the center ofeach raised portion or depression is preferably no greater than ¼″inches apart from other portions, and most preferably no greater than ⅛″to 1/32″ apart. The raised or depressed portions are preferably formedin one or more of cross-sectional shapes from the group consisting of:semi-oval, semi-circle, square, rectangular, triangular, three-sidedpyramidal and four-sided pyramidal. The pattern may follow the naturalcontour of the hand where desired. This can create nonlinear andasymmetrical patterns.

A glove can include a more concentrated pattern of patterns proximateareas corresponding to areas of the digits and hand that bend orstretch, thereby allowing easier bending at the areas that need to bendmore, such as at one or more of the MCP, PIP, DIP, or IP joints, or inarea 32 between the thumb and index finger, or in the web spaces betweenthe other fingers. As another example, a pattern may be present and/ormore concentrated along the axis of the dorsum of the little finger, orbe more concentrated from the mid hand to the mid proximal phalanx. Or,the pattern may cover any portion of the dorsum or palm. On the indexfinger, the pattern may cover the distal hand to the proximal phalanx.The pattern may be biased toward the ulnar side of the hand wherebiasing forces are greatest. On the thumb MCP joint, the pattern maypredominate on the dorsum, but might extend into area 32. Additionally,the pattern may be placed along the longitudinal axis of one or more ofthe fingers and/or thumb.

A glove including a pattern might include the same pattern or differentpatterns, such as one pattern at one or more of the joints, and anotherbetween the spaces between the fingers. For example, alternating raisedportions or depressions in the form of a four-sided pyramid may be atany suitable location on the gloves, including on part of or the entirepalm side of the glove, and there may be ribs running into the spacesbetween the fingers, or on the flexor surface of the gloves to relievebiasing forces of extending fingers associated with pre-relaxed surgicalgloves. The ribs allow easier expansion to decrease the loads on thedigits with abduction of the fingers or wide stretching of the hand, inthe same fashion as one would need to play far apart piano keys. Theglove can include a pattern over or under any of the joints of one ormore of the digits. Further, a pattern can be placed in the mid palm toprovide some relaxation during maximal extension of the fingers.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

As shown in FIGS. 28A-28C, a glove according to the invention haspatterns formed as ribs. In this embodiment ribs 1000 are positioned atthe top of each MCP joint and either encircle, or are on the top andpalm side, of each PIP joint and DIP joint. The ribs also encircle thethumb PIP and IP joint, and extend along the palm and into the spacebetween the thumb and index finger. There are four separate,non-connected ribs positioned at the thumb PIP joint; four separate,non-connected ribs positioned at the index finger MCP joint, fiveseparate, non-connected ribs at the MCP joint of the middle finger; sixseparate, non-connected ribs at the MCP joint of the ring finger; andseven separate, non-connected ribs at the MCP joint of the littlefinger.

In this embodiment, one rib 1000, which is the fourth rib (as measuredfrom the distal ends of the fingers) for each of the index finger,middle finger, ring finger and little finger, is continuous to assist inflexion of the hand between the fingers. Another rib 1000, which is thefifth rib (as measured form the distal ends of the fingers) for each ofthe middle finger, ring finger and little finger, is continuous toassist in flexing of the hand. Another rib 1000 is the sixth rib (asmeasured from the distal ends of the fingers) for each of the ringfinger and little finger and assists in flexing of the hand. The IPjoint of the thumb has four separate, non-connected ribs 1002, and thePIP and DIP joint of each finger has three separate, non-connected ribs1004.

The ribs in this example have a curved relief at the MCP joints, whereinthe end of each rib at an MCP joint is preferably between 1 mm to 3 mmcloser to the distal end of the respective finger on which it ispositioned than the center of the rib.

There are also three separate, non-connected ribs 1006 in the palmsection, wherein the uppermost rib extends under the little finger, thecenter rib extends to approximately a position between the little fingerand ring finger, and the lower rib extends to approximately the ringfinger. There is also an additional rib 1008 running along the muscle ofthe thumb to assist in flexing the thumb towards the palm or fingers.

Additionally, this example has ribs 1010 extending longitudinallybetween the MCP joint and PIP joint of each finger, the PIP joint andDIP joint of each finger, the PIP joint and the IP joint of the thumb,and distal of the IP joint of the thumb. Each of these ribs can expandby 1 mm to 10 mm.

Patterns according to the invention may provide between 1 mm to 250 mmof extra material depending upon their location on the glove. Forexample, a pattern positioned at the MCP joint of the: (a) index fingermay provide 2 mm to 15 mm, or 2 mm to 11 mm of extra material, (b) themiddle finger may provide 3 mm to 20 mm, or 3 mm to 15 mm, of extramaterial, (c) the ring finger may include 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 24mm, or extra material, and (d) the little finger may include 5 mm to 30mm, or 5 mm to 35 mm, of extra material. A pattern positioned at the PIPand/or DIP joint of the: (a) index finger may provide 1 mm to 8 mm, or 1mm to 10 mm, of extra material, (b) middle finger may provide 1 mm to 11mm, or 2 mm to 10 mm, of extra material, and (c) ring finger may include2 mm to 13 mm, or 2 mm to 10 mm, or extra material. A pattern positionedat the thumb PIP joint may provide for 5 mm to 20 mm of extra material,and a pattern positioned at the thumb IP joint may provide for 8 mm to20 mm of extra material.

A pattern positioned between the thumb and index finger may provide 20mm to 250 mm of extra material and pattern positioned between any twofingers may provide 20 mm to 200 mm of extra material. A pattern on thepalm may provide 30 mm to 350 mm of extra material.

Some non-limiting examples of gloves having different patterns areillustrated in FIGS. 6-11. FIG. 6 illustrates a glove 600 having apattern 602. As illustrated, pattern 602 covers all of the joints of thedigits, the space between the thumb and index finger, and the spacesbetween each finger. Pattern 602, or any suitable pattern used with thegloves described herein, could cover any suitable portion of the glove,such as one or more of: the portion corresponding to one or more joints,the portion corresponding to the space between the thumb and indexfinger, any or all spaces between the fingers, the dorsum, and the palm.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate close up, side views of exemplary structuressuitable for pattern 602. FIG. 6A illustrates pattern 602(a) as raisedsquare or rectangular sections. FIG. 6B illustrates pattern 602(b) asraised triangular sections, which would be pyramidal if viewed in threedimensions. FIG. 6C illustrates pattern 602(2) as raised flat-toppedpyramidal sections.

FIG. 6D illustrates pattern 602(d) as raised broad partial ovoid orpartial spherical sections. FIG. 6E illustrates pattern 602(e) as raiseddome-like sections. Any suitable structures, or combination ofstructures, however, could be used to form pattern 602.

FIG. 7 illustrates a glove 700 according to various embodiments of theinvention with ribs 702 to assist with easier flexing. Exemplary ribs702 are formed in the material of glove 700 and are preferably no higherthan about 2 mm, although any suitable height can be used. The spacingbetween the ribs may be any suitable spacing and may vary at differentareas of the glove. Preferably, the ribs 702 are spaced apart between1/16″ and ¼.″

FIG. 8 illustrates a glove 800 according to further exemplaryembodiments of the invention with ribs 802 to assist with easierflexing. Exemplary ribs 802 can be the same as previously described ribs702, except ribs 802 only extend along the portions of the glove thatcorrespond to the locations of the joints.

FIG. 9 illustrates a glove 900 according to yet further exemplaryembodiments of the invention with ribs 902 to assist with easierflexing. Exemplary ribs 902 are formed in the material of glove 900, areaxially-aligned along the digits, and are preferably no higher than 2mm, although any suitable height can be used. The spacing between theribs may be any suitable spacing and may vary at different areas of theglove. Preferably, the ribs 902 are spaced apart between 1/16″ and ¼.″

FIG. 10 illustrates a glove 1000 according to additional exemplaryembodiments of the invention with ribs 1002 to assist with easierflexing. Ribs 1002 are formed in the material of glove 1000 and arepreferably no higher than 2 mm, although any suitable height can beused. The spacing between the ribs 1002 may be any suitable spacing andmay vary at different areas of the glove. Preferably, the ribs 1002 arespaced apart between 1/16″ and ¼.″

FIG. 11 illustrates another glove 1100 according to various embodimentsof the invention. Glove 1100 includes alternating patterned/texturedsections that correspond with the location of each joint separated bynon-patterned/non-textured sections that are ribs to provide extramaterial when the hand or a finger flexes.

These folds of material (ribs) can be located in any suitable place,including between any two joints, between any fingers, between the thumband index finger, on the dorsum of the hand and/or on the palm of thehand. The folds can provide any suitable amount of material to permitexpansion, and in one embodiment provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extramaterial. The folds preferably extend outward away from the hand and/orfingers. In the illustrated example, glove 1100 includes a flexiblesection 1112 corresponding to the MCP of each finger, a flexible section1102 corresponding to the PIP of each finger, and a flexible section1103 corresponding to the DIP of each finger. There is a flexiblesection 1105 corresponding to the MCP of the thumb and a flexiblesection 1107 corresponding to the IP of the thumb. There is also alongitudinally oriented pattern 1120 between each of the flexiblesections and distal from the DIP joints and IP joint that allows forcircumferential expansion of the gloves to minimize biasing forcesassociated with natural digital circumferential expansion that occurswith normal digital flexion.

FIGS. 15 and 16( a) and (b) illustrate additional exemplary gloves 1500and 1600, respectively. Glove 1500 includes PIP joint modifiers 1502,MCP expansion ridges 1504, a proximal expansion groove 1506, and palmexpansion channels 1508 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of theinvention.

Glove 1600 includes joint strain relief elements 1602, 1604 andlongitudinal expansion relief ridges 1606. Strain relief elements 1602,1604 can be of any suitable shape that provides a desired amount ofstain relief—e.g., greater than or equal to 5%, 10%, 25%, 35%, 50%, orthe like. As illustrated, elements 1602, 1604 can be decorative, as longas they provide the desired relief of biasing forces. Similarly, ridges1606 can provide a desired amount of expansion relief, such as greaterthan or equal to 5%, 10%, 25%, 35%, 50%, or the like.

As previously mentioned, it is also preferred that a glove according tothe invention be able to compensate for the expansion of the fingers'respective circumferences when flexed. FIG. 22 illustrates arelationship between the circumferences of fingers when straight andwhen flexed. A digit circumference can increase from about 15% to about25% from an extended position to a flex position.

FIGS. 23-24 illustrate an amount of stretch and a location for desiredstretch in accordance with specific exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure. In the illustrated examples, stretch for a size 6.5 glovecorresponding to the MCP joints in a hand is illustrated on FIG. 23.Similarly in FIG. 24, an amount of stretch in mm is illustrated for asize 8 glove.

Materials

A glove according to various aspects of exemplary embodiments of theinvention can additionally or alternatively include one or both of thefollowing:

The material forming the glove may have varying thicknesses such thatthinner portions are used at positions corresponding to one or morejoints on a hand (e.g., where joints or the hand are flexed). Forexample, a thickness can be reduced by 5%, 10%, 25%, 35%, or 50% in anyportion of the glove that must flex when the hand and/or one of thedigits is opened or closed. For example, the thickness of the materialin one or more joint areas or a dorsum region, or at the folds in thepalm, or between fingers, or between the thumb and the index finger maybe reduced as compared to a thickness of the glove material at otherlocations.

A glove may be comprised of multiple materials wherein a more flexiblematerial (also called a first material) is used at positionscorresponding to joints on a hand (e.g., where the digit joints or thehand are flexed). A more puncture-resistant material (also called asecond material) may be used at other locations. For example, anelongation at break of the more puncture-resistant material can be about5%, 10%, 25%, 35%, 50%, 100%, 200% or 300% less than the elongation atbreak of the more flexible material. The more puncture resistant secondmaterial can be 5%, 10%, 25%, 35%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or 300% morepuncture resistant, e.g., as determined according to ASTM F1342. Thesecond material may be positioned at one or more finger tips, tip of thethumb, or at any suitable location that permits the hand to open andclose without much resistance.

A glove according to aspects of the invention, in addition to includingany or all of the other features referenced in this application, mayinclude portions where the glove material itself is thinner so that lessforce is required to stretch the thinner portion. Such a glove may alsohave portions of material thinner than a standard glove would have inorder to be more resistant to being punctured.

A glove according to aspects of the invention, in addition to includingany or all of the other features referenced in this application, mayalso be comprised of multiple materials, wherein one material is moreflexible and is positioned at locations wherein easier flexing of thegloves is desired.

An aspect of the invention also includes the concept of placing oneglove (an outer glove) over another (an inner glove) to create a doubleglove. A double glove could be packaged as one item in a single packagethereby eliminating the packaging of the second glove.

The outer glove may be slightly larger than the inner glove in order tofacilitate easier placement of one over the other. For instance a size 8double might include a size 8 inner glove and a size 8.1 outer glove.Additionally, the inner glove may have a micro-texturing on the outsidesurface and/or the outer glove may have a micro-texturing on the innersurface to facilitate easier placement of one over the other.

Some specific, non-limiting examples of a surgical glove according toaspects of the invention are as follows:

-   1. A glove wherein at least one MCP joint is formed at a flex angle    of 10-55°.-   2. The glove of example 1 wherein at least two MCP joint portions    are formed at a flex angle of 10-45°.-   3. The glove of example 1 or 2 wherein at least one MCP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 15-50°.-   4. The glove of any of examples 1-3 wherein at least one MCP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 20-55°.-   5. The glove of any of examples 1-4 wherein at least one PIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   6. The glove of any of examples 1-5 wherein at least two PIP joint    portions are formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   7. The glove of any of examples 1-6 wherein at least one PIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-35°.-   8. The glove of any of examples 1-7 wherein at least one PIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 15-40°.-   9. The glove of any of examples 1-8 wherein at least one DIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   10. The glove of any of examples 1-9 wherein at least two DIP joint    portions are formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   11. The glove of any of examples 1-10 wherein at least one DIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-30°.-   12. The glove of any of examples 1-11 wherein at least one DIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 15-40°.-   13. The glove of any of examples 1-12 wherein the thumb MCP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-45°.-   14. The glove of any of examples 1-13 wherein the thumb PIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 20-50°.-   15. A glove wherein at least one PIP joint is formed at a flex angle    of 5-40°.-   16. The glove of example 15 wherein at least two PIP joint portions    are formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   17. The glove of any of examples 15 or 16 wherein at least one PIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-35°.-   18. The glove of any of examples 15-17 wherein at least one PIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 15-40°.-   19. The glove of any of examples 15-18 wherein at least one DIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   20. The glove of any of examples 15-19 wherein at least two DIP    joint portions are formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   21. The glove of any of examples 15-20 wherein at least one DIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-30°.-   22. The glove of any of examples 15-21 wherein at least one DIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 15-40°.-   23. The glove of any of examples 15-22 wherein the thumb MCP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-45°.-   24. The glove of any of examples 15-23 wherein the thumb PIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 20-50°.-   25. A glove wherein at least one DIP joint is formed at a flex angle    of 5-25°.-   26. The glove of example 25 wherein at least two DIP joint portions    are formed at a flex angle of 5-25°.-   27. The glove of any of examples 25-26 wherein at least one DIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-30°.-   28. The glove of any of examples 25-27 wherein at least one DIP    joint portion is formed at a flex angle of 15-40°.-   29. The glove of any of examples 25-28 wherein the thumb MCP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 10-45°.-   30. The glove of any of examples 25-29 wherein the thumb PIP joint    portion is formed at a flex angle of 20-50°.-   31. A glove wherein the MCP joint of the thumb is formed at a flex    angle of 10-45°.-   32. The glove of example 31 wherein the PIP joint of the thumb is    formed at a flex angle of 20°-50°.-   33. The glove of any of examples 1-32 wherein there is a pattern    between the MCP joint and PIP joint on at least one finger.-   34. The glove of example 33 wherein the pattern is on the top of the    at least one finger.-   35. The glove of any of examples 1-33 wherein the pattern can expand    to provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material to allow for    expansion of the finger.-   36. The glove of any of examples 33-35 wherein the pattern is a    longitudinally-extending rib.-   37. The glove of any of examples 33-36 wherein there is a pattern    between the MCP joint and PIP joint on a plurality of fingers.-   38. The glove of example 37 wherein there is a    longitudinally-extending rib between the MCP joint and PIP joint on    all four fingers.-   39. The glove of any of examples 1-38 wherein there is a pattern    between the PIP joint and DIP joint on at least one finger.-   40. The glove of claim 39 wherein the pattern is on the top of the    at least one finger.-   41. The glove of any of examples 39-40 wherein the pattern is a    longitudinally-extending rib between the PIP joint and DIP joint.-   42. The glove of example 41 wherein the rib is on the top of the at    least one finger.-   43. The glove of any of examples 39-42 wherein the rib can expand to    provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material to allow for    expansion of the finger.-   44. The glove of any of examples 39-43 wherein there is a pattern    between the PIP joint and-   DIP joint on a plurality of fingers.-   45. The glove of example 44 wherein there is a pattern between the    PIP joint and DIP joint on all four fingers.-   46. The glove of examples 44-45 wherein the pattern is a    longitudinally-extending rib.-   47. The glove of any of examples 1-46 wherein there is a pattern    between the MCP joint on the thumb and the DIP joint of the thumb.-   48. The glove of example 47 wherein the pattern is on the top of the    thumb.-   49. The glove of any of examples 47-48 wherein the pattern can    expand to provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material to allow    for expansion of the thumb.-   50. The glove of any of examples 43-49 wherein the pattern is a rib    extending along the longitudinal axis between the DIP joint and the    IP joint of the thumb.-   51. The glove of any of examples 1-50 wherein there is a plurality    of patterns, with each pattern located at a different location on    the glove.-   52. The glove of any of examples 1-51 wherein there is a pattern    between the CMC joint and the MCP joint of the thumb.-   53. The glove of example 52 wherein the pattern is on the top of the    thumb.-   54. The glove of any of any of examples 52-53 wherein the pattern    can expand to provide between 1/16″ and ½″ of extra material to    allow for flexing of the thumb.-   55. The glove of any of examples 52-54 wherein the pattern is a rib    along the longitudinal axis between the CMC joint and the MCP joint    of the thumb.-   56. The glove of any of examples 52-55 wherein there is a plurality    of patterns.-   57. The glove of any of examples 1-56 that includes an outer surface    and an inner surface, and a pattern on at least part of one or more    of the outer surface and the inner surface, the pattern for reducing    biasing forces when the hand or fingers are moved towards the closed    position.-   58. The glove of example 57 wherein the pattern also reduces biasing    forces when the hand or fingers are moved towards the open position.-   59. The glove of any of examples 57 or 58 wherein the pattern is    entirely on at least part of the outer surface.-   60. The glove of any of examples 57 or 58 wherein the pattern is    entirely on at least part of the inner surface.-   61. The glove of any of examples 33-60 wherein the pattern is    selected from one or more of the group consisting of: (a) ribs, (b)    raised portions, wherein the center of each raised portion is no    greater than either ¼″, ⅛″, or 1/16″ apart, (c) dimples, or (d) one    or more designs.-   62. The glove of any of examples 33-61 wherein the pattern is    selected from one or more ribs that can provide between 1/16″ and ¼″    of extra material to allow for expansion while reducing biasing    forces, wherein the one or more ribs can be oriented in any    direction.-   63. The glove of any of examples 33-61 wherein the pattern is    selected from alternating raised portions that can collectively    provide for 1/16″ to ½″ of extra material to allow for expansion    while reducing biasing forces.-   64. The glove of example 63 wherein the raised portions are 10 mm or    less in height.-   65. The glove of example 63 wherein the raised portions are 5 mm or    less in height.-   66. The glove of any of examples 63-65 wherein the raised portions    have one or more of the following cross-sectional shapes: pyramidal,    square, rectangular, semi-oval and semi-circular, and irregular.-   67. The glove of any of examples 63-66 wherein each raised portion    has a center and the distance between the center of each raised    portion is between 1 mm and 10 mm.-   68. The glove of any of examples 63-66 wherein each raised portion    has a center and the distance between the center of each raised    portion is between 2 mm and 5 mm.-   69. The glove of example 62 wherein each rib extends 5 mm or less    from the outer surface of the glove.-   70. The glove of example 62 wherein each rib extends 10 mm or less    from the outer surface of the glove.-   71. The glove of example 61 wherein the one or more designs are    selected from the group consisting of: (a) flowers, (b) letters, (c)    concentric circles, (d) numbers, and (e) random designs.-   72. The glove of any of examples 1-32 that includes patterns,    wherein the patterns provide additional material to permit flexion    of the hand while reducing biasing forces, the patterns being at one    or more of the following positions on the glove: (a) portions    corresponding to one or more of the MCP joints, (b) portions    corresponding to one or more of the PIP joints, (c) portions    corresponding to one or more of the DIP joints, (d) a portion    corresponding to the space between the thumb and index finger, (e)    portions corresponding to one or more spaces between any of the    fingers, (f) a portion corresponding to at least part of the palm of    the hand, and (g) a portion corresponding to at least part of the    dorsum of the hand.-   73. The glove of any of examples 1-72 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum side and/or the palm side of one or more of the    following: the MCP joint of the index finger, the MCP joint of the    middle finger, the MCP joint of the ring finger, and the MCP joint    of the little finger.-   74. The glove of any of examples 33-73 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum side and/or the palm side of one or more of the    following: the PIP joint of the index finger, the PIP joint of the    middle finger, the PIP joint of the ring finger, and the PIP joint    of the little finger.-   75. The glove of any of examples 33-74 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum side and/or the palm side of one or more of the    following: the DIP joint of the index finger, the DIP joint of the    middle finger, the DIP joint of the ring finger, and the DIP joint    of the little finger.-   76. The glove of any of examples 33-75 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum side and/or the palm side of the CMC joint of the    thumb.-   77. The glove of any of examples 33-76 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum side and/or the palm side of the MCP joint of the    thumb.-   78. The glove of any of examples 33-77 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum side and/or the palm side of the PIP joint of the    thumb.-   79. The glove of any of examples 33-78 wherein the pattern is formed    between the thumb and index finger.-   80. The glove of any of examples 33-79 wherein the pattern is formed    between the index finger and middle finger.-   81. The glove of any of examples 33-80 wherein the pattern is formed    between the middle finger and ring finger.-   82. The glove of any of examples 33-81 wherein the pattern is formed    between the ring finger and little finger.-   83. The glove of any of examples 33-82 wherein the pattern is formed    on at least part of the palm of the hand.-   84. The glove of any of examples 33-83 wherein the pattern is formed    on at least part of the dorsum of the hand.-   85. The glove of any of examples 33-84 wherein the pattern is formed    on the palm and extends from approximately the center of the palm to    the area between the thumb and index finger.-   86. The glove of any of examples 33-85 wherein the pattern is formed    on the entire palm of the hand.-   87. The glove of any of examples 33-86 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum behind the little finger and ring finger.-   88. The glove of any of examples 33-87 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum behind the little finger, the ring finger and the    middle finger.-   89. The glove of any of examples 33-88 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum behind all of the fingers, and extends at least ¼″    from the MCP joints.-   90. The glove of any of examples 33-89 wherein the pattern is formed    on the dorsum behind all of the fingers and the thumb, and extends    at least ¼″ from the MCP joints on the fingers.-   91. The glove of any of examples 87-90 wherein the pattern expands    in width the closer it is to the little finger, and has a minimum    width of at least ¼″ from the MCP joint on the index finger.-   92. The glove of any of examples 1-91 that is formed at a flex angle    in the palm region.-   93. The glove of any of examples 1-92 wherein the glove is formed at    a 5-25° flex angle in the palm region.-   94. The glove of any of examples 1-92 wherein the glove is formed at    a 10-40° flex angle at the palm.-   95. The glove of any of examples 33-91 wherein the pattern covers    the index finger on the dorsum and/or palm side from the distal hand    to the proximal phalanx.-   96. The glove of any of examples 33-95 wherein the pattern covers    the dorsum and/or the palm side of the little finger.-   97. The glove of any of examples 33-96 wherein the pattern covers    the dorsum side of each finger.-   98. The glove of any of examples 33-97 wherein the pattern covers    the palm side of each finger.-   99. The glove of any of examples 33-98 wherein the pattern covers    the dorsum side and/or the palm side of the thumb.-   100. The glove of any of examples 72-99 wherein the pattern    comprises one or more of the group selected from: (a) ribs, (b)    raised portions, wherein the center of each raised portion is no    greater than either ¼″, ⅛″, or 1/16″ apart, (c) dimples, or (d) one    or more designs.-   101. The glove of example 100 wherein the raised portions comprise    one or more of the group selected from: the one or more designs are    selected from the group consisting of:-   (a) flowers, (b) letters, (c) concentric circles, (d) numbers,    and (e) random designs.-   102. The glove of any of examples 33-101 wherein each pattern    present on a finger provides between 1/16″ and ⅜″ of additional    material to reduce biasing force during flexion.-   103. The glove of any of examples 33-102 wherein each pattern    present on the dorsum provides between ⅛″ and ½″ of additional    material to reduce biasing force during flexion.-   104. The glove of any of examples 33-103 wherein each pattern    present on the palm provides between ⅛″ and ½″ of additional    material to reduce biasing force during flexion.-   105. The glove of any of examples 33-104 wherein a pattern present    between the thumb and index finger provides between ¼″ and ½″ of    additional material to reduce biasing force during flexion.-   106. The glove of any of examples 33-105 wherein a pattern present    between any two fingers provides between 1/16″ and ½″ of additional    material to reduce biasing force during flexion.-   107. A glove with portions formed as follows: (a) a MCP joint of the    index finger has a flex angle of 10°-30°, and (b) a PIP joint    portion on the same finger is formed at a flex angle greater than    the flex angle at which the MCP joint portion is formed.-   108. The glove of example 107 wherein the PIP joint portion is    formed at a flex angle of between 30° and 45°.-   109. The glove of example 107 or 108 that includes a DIP joint    portion on the same finger formed at a flex angle of less than the    flex angle of the MCP joint.-   110. The glove of example 110 wherein the DIP joint portion is    formed at a flex angle of 0°-20°.-   111. The glove of any of examples 107-110 wherein the flex angle of    the MCP joint portion is 25°.-   112. The glove of any of examples 107-111 wherein the flex angle of    the PIP joint portion is 40°.-   113. A glove with portions formed as follows: (a) a MCP joint    portion of the middle finger has a flex angle of 10°-30°, and (b) a    PIP joint portion on the same finger formed at a flex angle greater    than the flex angle at which the MCP joint portion is formed.-   114. The glove of example 113 wherein the PIP joint portion is    formed at a flex angle of between 30° and 45°.-   115. The glove of any of examples 113 or 114 wherein the finger    includes a DIP joint formed at a flex angle of less than the flex    angle of the MCP joint portion.-   116. The glove of example 115 wherein the DIP joint portion is    formed at a flex angle of 0°-20°.-   117. The glove of any of examples 113-116 wherein the flex angle of    the MCP joint portion is 25°.-   118. The glove of any of examples 113-117 wherein the flex angle of    the PIP joint portion is 40°.-   119. A glove with portions formed as follows: (a) a MCP joint of the    ring finger has a flex angle of 10°-30°, and (b) a PIP joint portion    is formed at a flex angle greater than the flex angle at which the    MCP joint portion is formed.-   120. A glove with portions formed as follows: (a) a MCP joint of the    little finger has a flex angle of 10°-30°, and (b) a PIP joint is    formed at a flex angle greater than the flex angle at which the MCP    joint portion is formed.-   121. The glove of example 119 or 120 wherein the PIP joint portion    is formed at a flex angle of between 30° and 45°.-   122. The glove of example 119 or 120 wherein the DIP joint portion    is formed at a flex angle of less than the flex angle of the MCP    joint portion.-   123. The glove of any of examples 119 or 120 that includes a DIP    joint portion formed at a flex angle of 0°-20°.-   124. The glove of any of examples 119-123 wherein the flex angle of    the MCP joint portion is 25°.-   125. The glove of any of examples 119-124 wherein the flex angle of    the PIP joint portion is 40°.-   126. The glove of any of examples 119-124 that further includes    patterns to assist to alleviating the biasing forces associated with    one or more of: (a) closing the hand, (b) opening the hand, (c)    flexing or bending the fingers, or (d) moving the thumb.-   127. A glove having an index finger portion, a middle finger    portion, a ring finger portion, a little finger portion and a thumb    portion wherein:    -   (a) the section of the index finger portion corresponding to the        index finger PIP joint is at an angle; and    -   (b) the section of the middle finger portion corresponding to        the middle finger PIP joint is formed at an angle equal to or        greater than the angle of the section of the index finger        portion corresponding to the index finger PIP joint.-   128. A glove having an index finger portion, a middle finger    portion, a ring finger portion, a little finger portion, a thumb    portion, a palm portion and a dorsum portion, wherein one or more of    part or all of either the index finger portion, ring finger portion,    thumb portion, palm portion or dorsum portion is formed of a first    material having a lower durometer and being more flexible than a    second material that forms the rest of the glove.-   129. The glove of example 128 that further includes one of the    structures as set forth in examples 1-127 or 130-144.-   130. A glove having an index finger portion, a middle finger    portion, a ring finger portion, a little finger portion, a thumb    portion, a palm portion and a dorsum portion, wherein one or more of    part or all of either the index finger portion, ring finger portion,    thumb portion, palm portion or dorsum portion is formed of a first    material having a lower durometer and being more flexible than a    second material that forms the rest of the glove.-   131. The glove of example 130 that further includes one of the    structures as set forth in examples 1-127 or 133-144.-   132. The glove of either of examples 130 or 131 wherein the thinner    portion(s) are between 10° and 50° thinner than the thicker    portions.-   133. A glove wherein one or more of the following portions is formed    as follows: (a) the portion corresponding to the DIP joint of the    index finger is formed at a 5-25° flex angle, (b) the portion    corresponding to the DIP joint of the middle finger is at a 5-25°    flex angle, (c) the portion corresponding to the DIP joint of the    ring finger is formed at a 10-30° flex angle, and (d) the portion    corresponding to the DIP joint of the little finger is formed at a    15-40° flex angle.-   134. The glove of example 133 wherein one or more of the following    portions is formed as follows: (a) the portion corresponding to the    MCP joint of the thumb is formed at a flex angle of 10-45°, and (b)    the portion corresponding to the PIP joint of the thumb is formed at    a flex angle of 20-50°.-   135. The glove of any of examples 133-134 wherein one or more of the    following portions is formed as follows: (a) the portion    corresponding to the MCP joint of the thumb is formed at a flex    angle of 10-45°, and (b) the portion corresponding to the PIP joint    of the thumb is formed at a flex angle of 20-50°.-   136. The glove of any of examples 133-135 wherein the portion    corresponding to the CMC joint of the thumb is formed at a flex    angle of 5-25°.-   137. The glove of any of examples 133-136 wherein the thumb CMC    joint is positioned such that the entire thumb axis is positioned in    its relaxed plane.-   138. The glove of example 137 wherein the thumb is abducted out of    the plane of the palm in a partially opposed position to the plane    of the palm.-   139. The glove of any of examples 133-138 wherein the flex angle of    the DIP joint is less than the flex angle of the corresponding MCP    joint.-   140. The glove of example 36 wherein the rib is on the top surface    of the finger.-   141. The glove of example 38 wherein each rib is on the top surface    of the finger.-   142. The glove of example 46 wherein each rib can provide between    1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material.-   143. A glove formed at the natural cascading position shown in FIG.    21 plus or minus 10° for each flex angle.-   144. The glove of any of examples 133-143 that further includes one    or more patterns.-   145. A glove wherein the flex angle of the portions of the glove    corresponding to the MCP joint of each of the index finger, middle    finger, ring finger and little finger is 40°-50°.    -   146. A glove wherein the flex angle of portions of the glove        corresponding to the MCP joint of at least one of the index        finger, middle finger, ring finger and/or little finger is        40°-50°.-   147. The glove of any of examples 145-146 wherein the flex angle of    the portions of the glove corresponding to the PIP joint of each of    the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger is    10°-20°.-   148. The glove of any of examples 145-146 wherein the flex angle of    one or more portions of the glove corresponding to the PIP joint of    each index finger, middle finger, ring finger and/or little finger    is 10°-20°.-   149. The glove of any of examples 145-148 wherein the flex angle of    the portions of the glove corresponding to the DIP joint of each of    the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger is    5°-25° or 10°-20°.-   150. The glove of any of examples 145-148 wherein the flex angle of    one or more portions of the glove corresponding to the DIP joint of    one or more of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and/or    little finger is 5°-25° or 10°-20°.-   151. The glove of any of examples 1-150 that is formed to provide an    additional 8 mm-15 mm of material along the length of the top    surface of the index finger as compared to the length of the top    surface of the index finger when in its extended position and    straight.-   152. The glove of any of examples 1-151 that is formed to provide an    additional 10 mm-18 mm of material along the length of the top    surface of the middle finger as compared to the length of the top    surface of the middle finger when in its extended position and    straight.-   153. The glove of any of examples 1-152 that is formed to provide an    additional 15 mm-30 mm of material along the length of the top    surface of the ring finger as compared to the length of the top    surface of the ring finger when in its extended position and    straight.-   154. The glove of any of examples 1-153 that is formed to provide an    additional 20 mm-40 mm of material along the length of the top    surface of the little finger as compared to the length of the top    surface of the little finger when in its extended position and    straight.-   155. The glove of any of examples 151-154 wherein 40°-60° of the    additional material is provided by flex angles at one or more joints    of the finger.-   156. The glove of example 155 wherein the remaining extra material    is provided by patterns at one or more joints of the finger.-   157. The glove of any of examples 151-154 wherein all of the    additional material is provided by the flex angles at one or more    joints of the finger.-   158. The glove of any of examples 151-154 wherein all of the    additional material is provided by patterns at one or more joints of    the finger.-   159. The glove of any of examples 156-158 wherein the extra material    provided by patterns is provided such that 40-60% of the extra    material is at the MCP joint.-   160. The glove of any of examples 151-159 wherein 20-30% of the    extra material is at the DIP joint.-   161. The glove of any of examples 156-160 wherein all of the    patterns are ribs.-   162. The glove of any of examples 1-161 wherein there are four    separate, non-connected ribs at the thumb PIP joint.-   163. The glove of any of examples 1-162 wherein there are at least    four separate, non-connected ribs at the index finger MCP joint.-   164. The glove of any of examples 1-163 wherein there are at least    six separate, non-connected ribs at the MCP joint of the middle    finger and index finger.-   165. The glove of any of examples 1-164 wherein there are at least    seven separate, non-connected ribs at the MCP joint of the little    finger.-   166. The glove of any of examples 1-165 wherein there are at least    three separate, non-connected ribs in the palm portion.-   167. The glove of example 166 wherein the uppermost rib in the palm    portion extends from at least under the index finger to under the    little finger.-   168. The glove of any of examples 166-167 wherein the center rib of    the palm portion extends from at least the index finger to a    location between the little finger and ring finger.-   169. The glove of any of examples 166-168 wherein the lower rib of    the palm portion extends at least from the index finger to under the    ring finger.-   170. The glove of any of examples 166-169 wherein at least one rib    of the palm portion extends into the space between the thumb and    index finger.-   171. The glove of any of examples 1-170 that further includes a rib    extending along the muscle of the thumb.-   172. The glove of any of examples 1-171 wherein there are three    separate, non-connected ribs at one or more of the thumb IP joint,    the index finger DIP joint, the middle finger DIP joint, the ring    finger DIP joint, the little finger DIP joint, the index finger PIP    joint, the middle finger PIP joint, the ring finger PIP joint, and    the little finger PIP joint.-   173. The glove of example 172 wherein the ribs extend completely    around the joint.-   174. The glove of any of examples 162-165 wherein each rib is curved    and the center of each rib is 1 mm-3 mm farther from the distal end    of the finger than at least one end of the rib.-   175. The glove of any of examples 162-165 and 174 wherein the ribs    are only positioned on the top of the MCP joint.-   176. The glove of any of examples 1-175 wherein the portion located    at the MCP joint of the index finger provides 2 mm-15 mm or 2 mm-11    mm of extra material.-   177. The glove of any of examples 1-176 wherein the portion located    at the MCP joint of the middle finger provides 3 mm-20 mm or 3 mm-15    mm of extra material.-   178. The glove of any of examples 1-177 wherein the portion located    at the MCP joint of the ring finger provides 4 mm-25 mm or 4 mm-24    mm of extra material.-   179. The glove of any of examples 1-178 wherein the portion located    at the MCP joint of the little finger provides 5 mm-30 mm or 5 mm-35    mm of extra material.-   180. The glove of any of examples 1-179 wherein the portion located    at the PIP joint of the index finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10    mm of extra material.-   181. The glove of any of examples 1-180 wherein the portion located    at the DIP joint of the index finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10    mm of extra material.-   182. The glove of any of examples 1-181 wherein the portion located    at the PIP joint of the middle finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10    mm of extra material.-   183. The glove of any of examples 1-182 wherein the portion located    at the DIP joint of the middle finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10    mm of extra material.-   184. The glove of any of examples 1-183 wherein the portion located    at the PIP joint of the ring finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10 mm    of extra material.-   185. The glove of any of examples 1-184 wherein the portion located    at the PIP joint of the ring finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10 mm    of extra material.-   186. The glove of any of examples 1-185 wherein the portion located    at the PIP joint of the little finger provides 1 mm-8 mm or 1 mm-10    mm of extra material.-   187. The glove of any of examples 1-186 wherein the portion located    at the thumb PIP joint provides 5 mm-20 mm of extra material.-   188. The glove of any of examples 1-187 wherein the portion located    at the thumb IP joint provides 8 mm-20 mm of extra material.-   189. The glove of any of examples 1-188 wherein a pattern between    any of the fingers provides 20 mm-200 mm of extra material.-   190. The glove of any of examples 1-189 wherein a pattern between    the index finger and thumb provides 30 mm-350 mm of extra material.-   191. The glove of any of examples 175-190 wherein the extra material    is provided by a pattern.-   192. The glove of any of examples 175-190 wherein the extra material    is provided by the shape of the glove.-   193. The glove of any of examples 175-190 wherein the extra material    is provided by a combination of a pattern and the shape of the    glove.-   194. The glove according to any of examples 1-193 wherein the    thickness of the material forming the glove is reduced by 5%-50% at    one or more of the following positions: (a) at least one MCP joint    of the fingers, (b) at least one PIP joint of the fingers, and (c)    at least one DIP joint of the fingers.-   195. The glove according to any of examples 1-194 wherein the    thickness of the material forming the glove is reduced by 5%-50% at    one or more of the following positions: (1) the PIP joint of the    thumb, and (b) the IP joint of the thumb.-   196. The glove according to any of examples 1-195 wherein the    thickness of the material forming the glove is reduced by 5%-50% at    one or more of the following positions: (a) the palm, and (b) at    least one of the spaces between any two fingers and/or the index    finger and thumb.-   197. The glove according to any of examples 1-196 that includes a    first material and a second material, wherein the second material is    50%-300% or more puncture resistant than the first material as    measured according to ASTM F1342, and the second material is    positioned at one or more of the finger tips and tip of the thumb.-   198. The glove according to example 197 wherein the second material    is positioned on the palm side of one or more fingers between the    finger joints.-   199. The glove according to either of examples 197-198 wherein the    second material is positioned on the palm side of the thumb between    the joints.-   200. The glove according to any of examples 197-199 wherein the    second material is positioned on the palm and extends ¼″ or more    from the MCP joint of each finger towards the center of the palm.-   201. The glove according to any of examples 197-200 wherein the    second material is positioned on the palm region of the muscle of    the thumb.-   202. The glove according to example 161 wherein there are between    2-5 separate, non-connected ribs at the thumb PIP joint.-   203. The glove according to any of examples 161 or 202 wherein there    are between 2-6 separate, non-connected ribs at the index finger MCP    joint.-   204. The glove according to any of examples 161 or 202-203 wherein    there are between 2-6 separate, non-connected ribs at the middle    finger MCP joint.-   205. The glove according to any of examples 161 or 202-204 wherein    there are between 2-7 separate, non-connected ribs at the ring    finger MCP joint.-   206. The glove according to any of examples 161 or 202-205 wherein    there are between 2-8 separate, non-connected ribs at the little    finger MCP joint.-   207. The glove of any of examples 1-165 or 202-206 wherein there are    between 1 and 5 separate, non-connected ribs in the palm portion of    the glove.-   208. The glove of any of examples 1-171 wherein there are 2-5    separate, non-connected ribs at one or more of the thumb IP joint,    the index finger DIP joint, the middle finger DIP joint, the ring    finger DIP joint, the little finger DIP joint, the index finger PIP    joint, the middle finger PIP joint, the ring finger PIP joint, and    the little finger PIP joint.

Having thus described preferred embodiments of the invention, othervariations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of theinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope ofthe present invention is thus not limited to any particular embodiment,but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legalequivalents thereof. Unless expressly stated in the written descriptionor claims, the steps of any method recited in the claims may beperformed in any order capable of yielding the desired result.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical glove, the surgical glove having oneor more of the following portions formed as follows: (a) a portioncorresponding to the MCP joint of the index finger is formed at a flexedangle of 10°-45°, (b) a portion corresponding to the MCP joint of themiddle finger is formed at a flexed angle of 10°-45°, (c) a portioncorresponding to the MCP joint of the ring finger is formed at a flexedangle of 15°-50°, and (d) a portion corresponding to the MCP of thelittle finger is formed at a flexed angle of 20°-55°.
 2. The surgicalglove of claim 1 wherein one or more of the following portions is formedas follows: (a) a portion corresponding to the PIP joint of the indexfinger is formed at a 5-25° flexed angle, (b) a portion corresponding tothe PIP joint of the middle finger is formed at a 5-25° flexed angle,(c) a portion corresponding to the PIP joint of the ring finger isformed at a 10-35° flexed angle, and (d) a PIP joint of the littlefinger is formed at a 15-40° flexed angle.
 3. The surgical glove ofclaim 1 wherein one or more of the following portions is formed asfollows: (a) a portion corresponding to the DIP joint of the indexfinger is formed at a 5-25° flexed angle, (b) a portion corresponding tothe DIP joint of the middle finger is formed at a 5-25° flexed angle,(c) a portion corresponding to the DIP joint of the ring finger isformed at a 10-30° flexed angle, and (d) a portion corresponding to theDIP joint of the little finger is formed at a 15-40° flexed angle. 4.The surgical glove of claim 1 wherein one or more of the followingportions is formed as follows: (a) a portion corresponding to the MCPjoint of the thumb is formed at a flexed angle of 10-45°, and (b) aportion corresponding to the PIP joint of the thumb is formed at aflexed angle of 20-50°.
 5. The surgical glove of claim 1 that is formedof latex or a non-latex substitute.
 6. The surgical glove of claim 1wherein the material forming the surgical glove includes patterns. 7.The surgical glove of claim 6 wherein the patterns extend 2 mm or lessbeyond the surface of the surgical glove.
 8. The surgical glove of claim1 wherein the material forming the surgical glove has a pattern ofalternating raised portions and depressions, wherein the center of eachjuxtaposed raised portion and depression are no greater than either ¼″,⅛″, or 1/16″ apart.
 9. The surgical glove of claim 8 wherein the raisedportions are formed in one or more of shapes from the group consistingof: ovals, circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, three-sidedpyramidal and four-sided pyramidal or irregular shapes.
 10. The surgicalglove of claim 8 wherein each of the raised portions are 2 mm or less inheight.
 11. The surgical glove of claim 1 wherein there is a foldbetween the PIP joint and DIP joint on at least one finger, and whereinthe fold can expand to provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material toallow for expansion of the finger.
 12. The surgical glove of claim 11wherein there is a fold between the PIP joint and DIP joint on aplurality of fingers.
 13. The surgical glove of claim 12 wherein thereis a fold between the PIP joint and DIP joint on all four fingers. 14.The surgical glove of claim 11 wherein the fold is on the top of atleast one finger.
 15. The surgical glove of claim 11 wherein the foldcan expand to provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material to allowfor expansion of the finger.
 16. The surgical glove of claim 1 whereinthere is a fold between the MCP joint on the thumb and the DIP joint ofthe thumb.
 17. The surgical glove of claim 16 wherein the fold canexpand to provide between 1/16″ and ¼″ of extra material to allow forexpansion of the thumb.
 18. A surgical glove having one or more of thefollowing portions formed as follows: a portion corresponding to the MCPjoint of the index finger is formed at a flexed angle of 10°-45°, (b) aportion corresponding to the MCP joint of the middle finger is formed ata flexed angle of 10°-45°, (c) a portion corresponding to the MCP jointof the ring finger is formed at a flexed angle of 15°-50°, and (d) aportion corresponding to the MCP of the little finger is formed at aflexed angle of 20°-55°; and one or more of the following portions isformed as follows: (d) a portion corresponding to the PIP joint of theindex finger is formed at a 5-25° flexed angle, (e) a portioncorresponding to the PIP joint of the middle finger is formed at a 5-25°flexed angle, (f) a portion corresponding to the PIP joint of the ringfinger is formed at a 10-35° flexed angle, and (g) a PIP joint of thelittle finger is formed at a 15-40° flexed angle, wherein the surgicalglove comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and a pattern onat least part of one or more of the outer surface and the inner surface,the pattern for reducing biasing forces when the hand or fingers aremoved towards the closed position.
 19. The surgical glove of claim 18wherein the pattern is selected from one or more of the group consistingof: (a) folds, (b) alternating raised portions and depressions, (c)alternating raised portions, and (d) alternating depressed portions. 20.A surgical glove having: one or more of the following portions formed asfollows: a portion corresponding to the MCP joint of the index finger isformed at a flexed angle of 10°-45°, (b) a portion corresponding to theMCP joint of the middle finger is formed at a flexed angle of 10°-45°,(c) a portion corresponding to the MCP joint of the ring finger isformed at a flexed angle of 15°-50°, and (d) a portion corresponding tothe MCP of the little finger is formed at a flexed angle of 20°-55°; andone or more of the following portions is formed as follows: (d) aportion corresponding to the DIP joint of the index finger is formed ata 5-25° flexed angle, (e) a portion corresponding to the DIP joint ofthe middle finger is formed at a 5-25° flexed angle, (f) a portioncorresponding to the DIP joint of the ring finger is formed at a 10-30°flexed angle, and (g) a portion corresponding to the DIP joint of thelittle finger is formed at a 15-40° flexed angle, wherein the surgicalglove comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and a pattern onat least part of one or more of the outer surface and the inner surface,the pattern for reducing biasing forces when the hand or fingers aremoved towards the closed position.